LINX Takes Control of Asteroid Networks in Kenya
The London Internet Exchange has struck a co-operative agreement with Internet Exchange incubator Asteroid to assume control of interconnection operations in Kenya.
The partnership will see LINX manage customer networks currently connected through Asteroid’s Mombasa and Nairobi facilities.
The transition process begins immediately and will continue through to the end of 2025, when Asteroid will cease operations in Kenya. During this period, both companies will provide technical support to ensure networks maintain connectivity throughout the handover process.
“We are very proud of our achievements in Kenya over the last five years,” says Remco van Mook, chief executive of Asteroid. “Asteroid entering the market drastically changed the landscape for interconnectivity.”
The deal marks the third interconnection market that Asteroid has successfully developed before transferring operations to an established exchange operator.
LINX brings global connectivity to Kenyan networks
Under the new arrangement, networks previously connected through Asteroid will gain access to LINX’s broader global infrastructure. This includes interconnection points in the UK and United States, with additional expansion planned for Ghana later this year.
Jennifer Holmes, chief executive of LINX, says the organisation views the Kenya operations as an extension of its existing mission. “We feel very privileged to carry on the baton so to speak. We will drive to continue the amazing work Asteroid has achieved in Kenya and look forward to working with their customers on the next step of their interconnection journey,” she says.
LINX operates as a member-owned, not-for-profit organisation serving over 900 autonomous systems globally. The company established its first African presence with LINX Nairobi in 2023, followed by LINX Mombasa in February 2025.
Networks transitioning from Asteroid will access LINX’s 24-hour engineering support team and additional services including LINX Private VLAN and Microsoft Azure Peering Service integration. Jennifer identifies supporting interconnection growth in Kenya as a priority that benefits both local networks and the global internet ecosystem.
Asteroid completes third market incubation programme
The Kenya transition follows Asteroid’s established pattern of entering emerging interconnection markets, developing local infrastructure and customer bases, then transferring operations to established exchange operators. Remco describes this as the third such market incubation that Asteroid has completed.
Asteroid’s market entry strategy involves establishing initial interconnection infrastructure in locations where established internet exchange points do not operate. The company then develops customer relationships and traffic volumes before transferring operations to operators with broader global reach.
Both companies emphasise that customer networks will maintain existing connectivity throughout the transition period. Technical teams from both organisations will coordinate to ensure service continuity as networks migrate from Asteroid's systems to LINX's infrastructure.
Customer networks gain access to expanded peering opportunities
Networks currently connected through Asteroid’s Kenya operations will retain their existing interconnection arrangements while gaining access to LINX’s broader network of members. This expansion provides opportunities for new peering relationships both within Kenya and internationally.
The transition allows existing customers to scale their operations through connections to LINX's established markets in London, Manchester, Scotland, Wales and Northern Virginia. These additional locations provide access to different network operators and content providers than those available through Asteroid's Kenya-focused operations.
LINX's membership structure operates on a mutual basis, with all connected networks having equal representation in governance decisions. Annual and extraordinary general meetings provide forums for members to influence exchange policies and development priorities.
The partnership reflects Asteroid's confidence in LINX's ability to maintain the momentum established in the East African market. Remco says: “We are excited to have entered into this agreement with LINX and trust that they will continue our mission to support the growth of interconnection in East Africa.”
